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Vet Pathol 43:769-772 (2006)
© 2006 American College of Veterinary Pathologists
BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS AND CASE REPORTS

Fatal Herpesvirus Encephalitis in a Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

M. J. Hoenerhoff, E. B. Janovitz, L. K. Richman, D. A. Murphy, T. C. Butler and M. Kiupel

Abstract

Fatal meningoencephalitis caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) was diagnosed in a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulate). The giraffe died following a history of stumbling, incoordination, and abdominal pain. Gross examination of the brain revealed asymmetric edema and red-brown discoloration, predominantly within the telencephalon. Microscopically, there was perivascular lymphohistiocytic cuffing, multifocal gliosis, and neuronal necrosis in the cerebrum. Necrotic neurons contained acidophilic intranuclear inclusions. EHV-1 was isolated from the brain of the giraffe, and polymerase chain reaction was positive on sections of the brain. Immunohistochemistry using an EHV-1–specific antibody identified positive staining in neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. The giraffe had been housed with a group of zebras that were serologically positive for EHV-1 and suspected as the source of infection. This raises concerns for cross-species transmission of EHV-1 when housing equids together with other species in zoologic collections.

Key words: Equine herpesvirus-1; immunohistochemistry; meningoencephalitis; polymerase chain reaction; reticulated giraffe; zebra.

Request reprints from Dr. Matti Kiupel, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI, 49170 (USA). E-mail: Kiupel{at}dcpah.msu.edu






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